We have ranked the Best & Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Psychology in 2025, including links and a justification for why each school was included in this list.
Choosing the best and most affordable online psychology degree requires balancing academic reputation, faculty quality, cost, and flexibility. This list combines the best (highly respected, research-oriented universities) with the least expensive (ensuring accessibility for students without large amounts of debt).
Top 10 Best and Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Psychology Programs (2025)
1. University of Florida (UF Online)
UF is a flagship research university consistently ranked among the top public institutions. Its psychology program combines rigorous scientific training with broad liberal arts coursework. Low in-state tuition makes it a top choice for Florida residents seeking a prestigious, affordable degree.
- Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Tuition: ~$129/credit (FL residents), ~$552/credit (non-residents)
- UF Online Psychology BA
2. Fayetteville State University
This HBCU offers the lowest tuition rates among regionally accredited universities for online psychology, with a respected faculty and accessible transfer policies.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Tuition: ~$120/credit (in-state & online students often pay same rate)
- FSU Online Psychology BS
3. Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays is renowned for its low-cost, high-quality virtual programs. Its psychology curriculum provides strong preparation for grad school or direct workforce entry.
- BA or BS in Psychology
- Tuition: ~$250/credit (same in-state & out-of-state)
- FHSU Online Psychology
4. Arizona State University (ASU Online)
ASU has top national rankings for online education, offering extensive career resources and multiple psychology pathways (BA for liberal arts focus, BS for science/math emphasis).
- Degree: BA or BS in Psychology
- Tuition: ~$561–$661/credit
- ASU Online Psychology
5. Oregon State University (OSU Ecampus)
Oregon State Uuniversity Ecampus is consistently ranked among the best online universities, with research-focused faculty and options to integrate psychology with social or biological sciences.
- Degree: BA or BS in Psychology
- Tuition: ~$350/credit
- OSU Ecampus Psychology
6. University of Central Florida (UCF Online)
One of the largest psychology programs in the nation, UCF offers diverse specializations with strong student support and affordable tuition for Floridians.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Tuition: ~$179/credit (FL residents), ~$716/credit (non-residents)
- UCF Online Psychology BS
7. Georgia Southwestern State University
A member of the University System of Georgia, GSW provides very low tuition rates with small class sizes and personalized instruction.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Tuition: ~$169/credit
- GSW Online Psychology BS
8. Penn State University (World Campus)
Penn State’s national reputation, alumni network, and rigorous curriculum make it ideal for students prioritizing institutional prestige.
- Degree: BA or BS in Psychology
- Tuition: ~$590/credit
- Penn State Online Psychology
9. University of the Cumberlands
This private university offers competitive online pricing with a strong emphasis on student support and advising.
- Degree: Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Tuition: ~$220/credit
- UC Online Psychology
10. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
SNHU is known for broad accessibility, flexible transfer policies, and helpful online student services.
- Degree: BA in Psychology
- Tuition: ~$330/credit
- SNHU Online Psychology (Sponsored)
These Online Degree Programs Were Chosen based on:
- Accreditation: All are regionally accredited, ensuring quality and transferability.
- Affordability: Programs with the lowest tuition per credit hour among reputable universities were prioritized.
- Reputation & Outcomes: Schools with strong faculty expertise, student support, and preparation for grad school or direct employment.
- Online Flexibility: Fully online delivery with asynchronous options suitable for working adults.
For students seeking the best value, Fayetteville State, Fort Hays State, and University of Florida (in-state) provide the optimal combination of low tuition and academic rigor. For those prioritizing national reputation and networking, ASU, OSU, and Penn State World Campus stand out despite higher tuition.
Tuition Comparison Table
| Rank | University | Degree | Tuition per Credit Hour | Estimated Total Tuition* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Florida (UF Online) | BA Psychology | ~$129 (FL resident), ~$552 (non-resident) | ~$15,480 (FL resident, 120 credits) |
| 2 | Fayetteville State University | BS Psychology | ~$120 | ~$14,400 |
| 3 | Fort Hays State University | BA or BS Psychology | ~$250 | ~$30,000 |
| 4 | Arizona State University (ASU Online) | BA or BS Psychology | ~$561–$661 | ~$67,320–$79,320 |
| 5 | Oregon State University (OSU Ecampus) | BA or BS Psychology | ~$350 | ~$42,000 |
| 6 | University of Central Florida (UCF Online) | BS Psychology | ~$179 (FL resident), ~$716 (non-resident) | ~$21,480 (FL resident), ~$85,920 (non-resident) |
| 7 | Georgia Southwestern State University | BS Psychology | ~$169 | ~$20,280 |
| 8 | Penn State World Campus | BA or BS Psychology | ~$590 | ~$70,800 |
| 9 | University of the Cumberlands | BS Psychology | ~$220 | ~$26,400 |
| 10 | Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) | BA Psychology | ~$330 | ~$39,600 |
* Estimated total tuition calculated for 120 credits, the usual requirement for a bachelor’s degree. Actual cost varies based on transfer credits, fees, or electives, and possibly other factors.
- Most affordable overall: Fayetteville State University (~$14,400)
- Best reputation + affordable in-state: University of Florida (~$15,480)
- Most expensive but prestigious online programs: Penn State World Campus & Arizona State University
- Same tuition for all students regardless of residency: Fort Hays State University
| University | Graduation Rate | Student-to-Faculty Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| University of Florida | 88% | 17:1 |
| Arizona State University | 69% | 18:1 |
| Oregon State University | 67% | 18:1 |
| Penn State World Campus | 71% | 15:1 |
| University of Central Florida | 75% | 30:1 |
| Fort Hays State University | 46% | 17:1 |
| Fayetteville State University | 35% | 15:1 |
| Georgia Southwestern State University | 41% | 17:1 |
| University of the Cumberlands | 51% | 20:1 |
| Southern New Hampshire University | 40% | 22:1 |
More resources:
Psychologist salary information:
The average national salary for a psychologist in the United States in 2025 varies by source but generally falls between $90,000 and $154,000 annually. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for psychologists is $94,100, with clinical and counseling psychologists earning a median of $95,830. ZipRecruiter reports an average of $154,056 per year, while Glassdoor estimates $145,782, and PayScale cites $91,533. Salaries depend on factors like experience, location, and specialization, with higher earnings in states like California ($134,360) and lower in states like West Virginia ($63,650).